USC’ Jordan McLaughlin has been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against Oregon State. The Trojans have not set timetable for his return following an injury to his shoulder on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

USC point guard Jordan McLaughlin will miss today’s game against Oregon State after injuring his shoulder on Thursday night.

But whether he plays or not against Oregon State today at 2 p.m. at the Galen Center, a new question faces the Trojans after 24 games: Is McLaughlin the point guard of the future?

When USC started the season, McLaughlin was considered the team’s savior and opened with 19 points. But against Oregon on Thursday, McLaughlin spent parts of the game on the wing or in the corner with Julian Jacobs at the point.

McLaughlin’s battled shoulder injuries during the year but also looks at times like he might be more comfortable at shooting guard. The dilemma is whether USC coach Andy Enfield believes Jacobs, a sophomore, can be a full-time point guard and whether McLaughlin will want to play shooting guard.

“He’s going to be a great player,” Enfield said of McLaughlin. “I believe in him 100 percent.”

There may not be many options otherwise at this state of the season, because many recruits already know their destinations for next year.

Injury report

Although McLaughlin is out with no date set for his return, USC does expect to get forward Strahinja Gavrilovic back for today’s game. He missed the Oregon game on Thursday because he was sick.

Without McLaughlin, Jacobs will become a more prolific player. He scored 18 points on Thursday.

“(Without McLaughlin) someone needs to step up and attack (the basket),” Jacobs said. “I take on that role and try to be a vocal leader.”

Oregon State success

Oregon State was picked to finish last in the Pac-12 preseason poll, but the Beavers are 16-8 overall and 7-5 in the conference. They also upset Arizona, a signature win for new coach Wayne Tinkle. And they will bring in star guard Stephen Thompson of Bishop Montgomery in Torrance next season.

So why have the Beavers flourished while the Trojans struggled? Enfield cited guard Gary Payton Jr., who is a junior-college transfer.

The Trojans do not have any seniors and just one scholarship junior (Gavrilovic). Of course, it could also be mentioned the Trojans should have senior guard Byron Wesley. But he currently starts for No. 3-ranked Gonzaga after transferring because he was unsure of his role under Enfield.

In the meantime, USC (9-11, 1-11) is in the midst of a nine-game losing streak.

More Dukes and Bryan?

Two guards who get little playing time this season are sophomores Kahlil Dukes and Chass Bryan. But the duo led a Trojans comeback against Oregon and played with more energy than the starters in the second half. Dukes scored a season-high eight points against Oregon.

That could lead to a larger role today.

“They looked great (against Oregon),” Enfield said. “They really gave us a spark.”